Private heliport requirements

[Kc135Delta]

Hello,

 

Does anybody know if the FAA (or any other governmental body in the U.S. in general) has set out minumum design requirments for private heliports? Any rules on fuel being kept on-site?

 

thanks

[delorean]

The FAA general document on heliport design is AC-150-5390-2a. You can download all the hundreds of pages for it on the FAA's website under "publications". Keep in mind, these are recommendations. If you choose to build a pad, this is a guide to help you. But, for 135 ops, insurance reasons, state reqs, whatever, you may need to abide by it 100%. It spells out the size, lighting, markings, grade of surrounding terrain, etc.

 

States tend to govern the particulars on "private landing areas". An LZ may need to classified as one if you plan on landing there more than X number times a year. It's a tax thing....not a safety thing, no matter how much they like to preach about it. If you don't need to build a true "helipad", DON'T! Just put a concrete pad in with a windsock nearby.

 

States will also control all the fuel stuff. Tier I, Tier II, all that bs. If you don't need a whole lot of fuel, there are small fuel trailers (400 gallon) in the back of Trade-a-Plane which will do the trick. They are very well made and will get you out of any state req's since they are a trailer. Or you can make one yourself for less out of a small lawnmower trailer. The fines on improperly inspected or maintained on big fuel tanks (above or below ground) can be in the tens of thousands of dollars PER DAY.

[FauxZ]

*edit*

 

Well there ya go, Delorean beat me to and provided something useful. Thanks D.

[Paisley]

I actually just finished getting a private heliport approved in Oregon. I contacted the Oregon Department of Aviation and they met me at the site, took measurements, pictures, aproach/departure angles, diamater of the proposed helipad, elevations etc. They then wrote up a report and requested some additional information such as distances from schools, other houses, churches, city hall etc. After I rounded up this information and sent it back to them they sent me a letter of conditional approval stating that the site was safe and adequate for a heliport (they will let you know what the minimum requirements are). They also forwarded there report to the FAA and the local city officials (planning department). It's then up to the city or county (depending on where your property is located) to approve it or disaprove it. The FAA is forwarded all the information but dosen't have a big say in the matter.

 

I was very suprised at how easy the process was. The Oregon Department of Aviation charged $350. This was the only fee that I paid. It only took about two weeks for the conditional approval. The hardest part was convincing the neighbors and the city that they needed a heliport next door. Your states department of aviation can guide you through the entire process. As far as fuel being kept on site - thats up to the local government. The key is that it's a PRIVATE heliport - that cuts out a lot of red tape.

 

If you have any specific questions let me know.

[Goldy]

In California, we have an entire division that regulates heliports at the state level...in addition to the FAA req's..

[SZIQ]

Northern Maine, Very Rural area, no 24-hour medical facility for lifelong Epileptic.  I want to lay down something Life Flight can use.  At least in Summer/Fall.  

How much space to keep clear and how big the pad needs to be?  NOT a heliport by any stretch.

Also, what type of radio would I use if they need to contact us?

[W E Hawn]

On 7/21/2025 at 11:29 AM, SZIQ said:

Northern Maine, Very Rural area, no 24-hour medical facility for lifelong Epileptic.  I want to lay down something Life Flight can use.  At least in Summer/Fall.  

How much space to keep clear and how big the pad needs to be?  NOT a heliport by any stretch.

Also, what type of radio would I use if they need to contact us?

Do you have an EMS station near by?  I would suggest contacting them for advice specific to your region.

I wouldn't worry about radio contact, EMS/fire/law enforcement and other agencies involved will almost always have established communication, often encrypted.  I won't land in an LZ without some contact with ground, even if it's only somebody trained to give useful, intelligible hand signals.

 

Some suggestions from my experience flying HEMS for 17 years:

Flat, level and open area 100 feet by 100 feet, no stumps or rocks higher than your ankles in the center.  Some operators allow smaller, but 100 foot square area is a good ball park. A paved pad isn't generally necessary, at least where I've operated.  While a 20 x 20 foot paved pad and access makes everything easier, firm ground works as long as it stands up to weather.

Allowing the ambulance to get as close as possible to the pad is enormously helpful. 300+ pound patients are not exceptional, add all the medical gear often hooked up to the patient and it's a challenge in the best of circumstances.  The medical types will want to be able to maintain some level of care between the bus and the bird, paved access makes that easier.

If at all possible, I (pilot) would walk the LZ with a strong flashlight searching for problems I couldn't see from the cockpit.

A fence to keep the "lookie lous" out of the mix is really really helpful.

Your neighbors need to be in on the plan as well.

[helonorth]

Talk to your fire department first. Have them come out and check it out. They are always the ones that set up the LZ's. You can have the greatest LZ in the world, but if they need to be aware of it first. The fire department may then be able to go to nearby EMS bases to discuss the suitability. An area in the middle with gravel would be nice. Forget about a fence.